Malaysian cartoonist Zunar is speaking about his career, his art and his free-speech activism at a number of venues in London and at a Q&A in Zurich prior to his upcoming trial on sedition charges in Putrajaya. His trial is scheduled to begin on November 6. Zunar’s charges stem from twitter posts he made following the verdict rendered against opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. If found guilty, the internationally reknown cartoonist could face 43 years in prison. Index on Censorship, Amnesty International and Cartoonists Rights Network have called for the government of Malaysia to guarantee Zunar’s freedom of expression and drop all charges against him.
During his “London tour,” Zunar will lead a cartoon protest at Hyde Park’s Speakers’ Corner and speak about the power of cartoons at Amnesty International UK’s Human Rights Action Centre. Zunar will also be on hand for the opening of a Cartoon Museum exhibition in which he is participating.
Zunar writes: “I hope this exhibition and tour will create awareness on the real state of affairs and the serious limitations that exist in Malaysia where freedom of expression, freedom of the media and human rights are concerned.” [More]
